The Allure and Rejection: What Sauron Could Offer Smaug and the Likelihood of Acceptance

Would Smaug accept the services of Sauron, and what could Sauron offer him to sway his decisions? In examining this, we explore the motivations and potential motivations of Smaug, and how Sauron might manipulate him. Given Smaug's nature and history, it is not impossible for him to be swayed, even by the Dark Lord. But under what conditions would Smaug consider such an alliance?

Understanding Smaug’s Avarice

To understand why Smaug might or might not accept Sauron's offer, we first need to grasp the nature of Smaug's avarice. Dragons, like Smaug, are slaves to their own greed. They value gold and treasure above all, and Smaug already had a vast hoard that satisfied his desire for wealth. Therefore, convincing Smaug to leave his horde undefended would be an impossible task.

Nonetheless, if an offer were made to Smaug, he would undoubtedly consider what could potentially offer him more treasure. In the narrative, Sauron, the cunning Dark Lord, might indeed find a way to entice Smaug to his side through strategic offers and manipulation.

Strategically Luring Smaug with Alluring Promises

Sauron, known for his cunning and manipulation, would not make such offers lightly. He would frame the enticements in such a way that they appeal to Smaug's vanity, greed, and his love for causing chaos and destruction. Here are some potential enticements:

1. Gold and Treasure Unmatched

Sauron is said to have vast amounts of mithril and gold hoards in places such as Morgul Vale. Offering Smaug an unlimited supply of treasure could be a powerful incentive. The idea of obtaining more gold and treasure than he has ever known would certainly appeal to a dragon like Smaug, who desires more than what he already possesses.

2. Free Food Supply

Smaug's diet consists of humans, creatures, and any other form of loot he can consume. Sauron could promise a steady food supply of various creatures, ensuring that Smaug would never go hungry again. The image of Smaug feasting on humans and other beings while gorging on gold could be a tempting proposition.

3. A Mate and Potential Alliances

The prospect of finding a mate could excite Smaug's vanity and desire for more. If Sauron promised to find a suitable female dragon for Smaug to mate with, it could significantly enhance Smaug's position as an independent and powerful entity. Additionally, a female dragon could provide Smaug with offspring, thereby securing his lineage and power in the realm.

4. Guaranteed Enemies and Chaos

Aragon, Gandalf, and the other prominent figures in Middle-earth, including the humans of Lothern and the elves of Mirkwood, represent a constant threat to Smaug. Sauron, through his vast network of agents and influence, could ensure that these enemies become a constant source of conflict. This would provide Smaug with a steady food supply and the thrill of devastation, ensuring that he never faces a lack of targets.

Gandalf's Fears and the Dwarves' Retaking of Eriador

Gandalf's fear, as recounted in "The Lord of the Rings," that Sauron might be able to manipulate Smaug, either through bribery or deceit, is a critical point. This fear is further emphasized by the potential risks associated with leaving Smaug's hoard unprotected. If Smaug's fierce temperament and the allure of gold could be considered, the Dark Lord's strategies might succeed in convincing Smaug to ally with him.

The retaking of Eriador by the Dwarves, as mentioned in "The Hobbit," was a direct result of Gandalf's concern for the safety of Erebor and its environs. The reclamation of Eriador would prevent Smaug from regaining his vast hoard and ensure the safety of the region, potentially deterring Smaug from engaging with Sauron.

Conclusion: The Manipulative Tapestry of Sauron

In conclusion, Sauron could indeed offer Smaug enticing incentives, including unlimited treasure, a steady food supply, a potential mate, and guaranteed enemies. Smaug's motivations align with Sauron's manipulative strategies, making it possible for Sauron to sway Smaug's decision. However, Smaug's nature as a self-centered and destructive creature means that he would only consider these offers if they promised to enrich him beyond measure and provide him with the thrill of constant conflict.

Given the complexities of Sauron's manipulations, it is clear that the dynamics between Sauron and Smaug hold significant implications for the broader narrative of Middle-earth. The balance of power in the region would shift based on the choices made by these formidable entities.